Brad Keselowski Slams NASCAR Playoff Format: “A Net Loss for the Sport!”
The tension was palpable as the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs unfolded at the Charlotte Roval, showcasing a fierce showdown between Joey Logano and Ross Chastain. In a dramatic final lap, Chastain took a reckless gamble, wrecking both Denny Hamlin and himself in a desperate bid to snatch a single point and stave off elimination. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen was left celebrating, crossing the finish line a staggering 15 seconds ahead of the pack, marking his fifth consecutive road course victory of the 2025 season.
However, amidst the chaos and excitement, one voice stood out—Brad Keselowski. The 2012 NASCAR Cup champion, who found himself on the sidelines as his RFK Racing team failed to qualify for the playoffs, unleashed a scathing critique of the current playoff format. In a candid response on X (formerly known as Twitter), Keselowski lamented the overwhelming focus on lower-tier finishes rather than celebrating winners and star power. He boldly declared, “Clear as day, not enough talk about winning and winners (star power) but covering 15th for known elimination is easier for media storylines. Fans are voting with their eyeballs and it’s definitively a net loss for the sport vs full season format. Now is the time to fix this.”
This outspoken criticism comes at a crucial moment as NASCAR grapples with discussions surrounding the potential overhaul of the championship format for 2026. While no official decisions have been made, there are whispers of expanding the final race into a four-race showdown featuring up to six contenders. Yet, the call for a return to the traditional season-long points format grows louder. NASCAR has not employed a full-season points system since 2003 and has repeatedly adjusted the playoff structure over the years, with the most significant changes occurring ahead of the 2017 season.
Moreover, Keselowski’s remarks about fans “voting with their eyeballs” resonate particularly in light of alarming statistics—the TV ratings for the 2025 playoff races have dropped significantly, with a loss of 300,000 to 400,000 viewers compared to the previous year’s races. This stark decline raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the current format and its appeal to dedicated fans.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Keselowski’s passionate plea for a return to a focus on true competition and recognition of winners could be a pivotal moment for NASCAR. Will the sanctioning body heed his call for change? Only time will tell, but the urgency for reform has never been clearer in the eyes of the sport’s most vocal advocates.
